Rick Izquieta is back for Part 2 on Kill the Small Talk, and this episode dives even deeper into the real life of a working comedian. From brutal bombing stories and awkward comedy club setups to touring through Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, and cruise ships, Rick shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from decades in stand-up comedy.

Alex and Rick talk about:

• The best and worst comedy advice he’s ever received
• Performing for nightmare crowds
• Opening for Willie Barcena
• Comedy Store stories
• Comics who blew up after starting together
• Why comedians need thick skin
• Touring the Midwest by bus
• Writing jokes about uncomfortable topics
• The reality of producing comedy shows

This episode is full of raw comedy stories, industry insight, and the kind of conversations comedians usually only have backstage.

Follow Rick Izquieta on Instagram: @rick_izquieta

Follow us on Instagram: @killthesmalltalkpodcast Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KilltheSmall-TalkPodcast Produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/

Hashtags #KillTheSmallTalk #RickIzquieta #AlexCaron #StandUpComedy #ComedyPodcast #ComedianInterview

In this "Re-Release" episode of Kill The Small Talk, host Alex Caron sits down with film director, author, and creative entrepreneur Jorge Xolalpa for an honest and inspiring conversation about independent filmmaking, discipline, collaboration, and building a sustainable career in the arts.

Jorge shares his journey immigrating to the United States as a child, the challenges his family faced, and how those experiences shaped his creative voice. The conversation explores his path into filmmaking, producing, and writing, including the mindset shift that helped him understand that he is the business. Alex and Jorge dive into the realities of the entertainment industry, navigating the aftermath of COVID and industry strikes, the role of AI in filmmaking, and why independent creators should embrace opportunity rather than fear change.

They also discuss the importance of relationship-building in Hollywood, self-marketing as an artist, consistency, discipline, and why collaboration matters more than chasing quick wins. Jorge opens up about his new book “NI DE AQUÍ NI DE ALLÁ”, the lessons behind it, and how authenticity and energy can open unexpected doors in creative careers.

This episode is a must-listen for filmmakers, actors, artists, and anyone looking to build a meaningful, long-term career in entertainment.

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New episodes drop every Wednesday.

Follow the show: @KillTheSmallTalkPodcast

Recorded & Produced by Command Creative Studios

Watch the full episode on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@KilltheSmall-TalkPodcast

Follow Jorge Xolalpa: Instagram / TikTok / X: @officialxolalpa Tagged Partner: @teamnyta

#KillTheSmallTalk #AlexCaron #JorgeXolalpa #IndependentFilmmaking #FilmDirector #AuthorInterview #CreativeEntrepreneur #IndieFilm #HollywoodStories #EntertainmentIndustry #ArtistMindset #ImmigrantStories #FilmmakingPodcast #CreativeDiscipline #FilmCommunity #BehindTheScenes #PodcastOnYouTube #CommandCreativeStudios #UnfilteredConversations

On this episode of Kill the Small Talk, Alex Caron sits down with comedian Rick Izquieta for a wild conversation about stand-up, growing up in Eagle Rock, dysfunctional family stories, weird day jobs, hecklers, cruise ship comedy, and what it really takes to build thick skin in the comedy world.

Rick talks about getting started at The Comedy Store, walking away from comedy, coming back years later, and building a career performing across Southern California and beyond. He also shares stories about odd jobs, wild crowd moments, cruise ship sets, and the brotherhood that comes with protecting fellow comics on stage.

Funny, honest, and full of classic stand-up war stories, this episode gets into the real grind behind the laughs.

Follow Rick Izquieta on Instagram: @rick_izquieta

Follow us on Instagram: @killthesmalltalk Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KilltheSmall-TalkPodcast Produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/

#KillTheSmallTalk #AlexCaron #RickIzquieta #StandUpComedy #ComedyPodcast #ComedianInterview